Bamboo is emerging not only as an eco-friendly alternative construction material, but also a substance that lends itself to 1,500 different uses. It has come to be recognised as the ‘timber of the 21st century’ as it can be grown fast, produces immense amount of biomass and finds use as a substitute for steel in several engineering works.

Bamboo can serve as material for beams, rafters, as a replacement for steel in reinforced concrete structures, can be split to work as fencing material and can be further spliced to serve as mat and curtains. It can be cut and fashioned or even woven into a variety of objects of art and can be turned into fine plain or corrugated sheets with vinyl treatment which then can be used for designing furniture.

Bangalore-based civil engineer couple Indrani Mukherjiee and Samrat Saha who discovered the myriad application of bamboo while working in West Bengal and the North-East, have now come with a start-up firm in Bengaluru to help and advise people and business organisations to use bamboo for durable and aesthetic structures.

Mukherjee and Saha had studied engineering at Dayanand Sagar Engineering College in the late 1990s. While working for West Bengal Development Authority and still later for Sahara City in Siliguri and Jalpaiguri, they found that bamboo was inseparably enmeshed with the life of the people in the entire North-East.

Turnkey solutions

As they studied the properties of bamboo as a construction material, their passion to promote it grew to the level of embracing it as the centre-point of their engagement with civil engineering. They decided to set up a firm, ‘Bamboooze’, in the city in 2005. They set up a workshop in Hulimavu off Bannerghatta Road and began advising firms and people to induct bamboo into rooftop gazebos, security kiosks, mantapams and cottages. The couple have built over 10,000 sq. ft of roofed space for various firms and organisation using only bamboo as supporting material. Bamboooze now provides turnkey solutions for people looking for aesthetic construction material and designs.

Training artisans

The duo train a clutch of artisans in fashioning products and furniture out of bamboo. While Indirani has developed expertise in environment-friendly engineering services and structural design, husband Saha comes up with newer architectural designs, out-of-the box ideas and cost-effective projects.

Their works ranges from resorts, houses and car parks and small structures to making doors, windows and object d’art for home decoration. Indrani was drawn to bamboo primarily because of its renewable property.

She says several varieties of bamboo can grow 1.6 inches in an hour. Saha studied the consummate artistry of 14 different tribes in Nagaland and found that each of them had their own unique pattern of cutting, weaving and binding.

Car park at IIM-B

The couple constructed a huge car park for the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, which not merely standsout as a specimen of use of sustainable material, but is a visual treat for the users and visitors alike.

They built a few security kiosks and mantapams for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and designed and built a palanquin for a temple in Tirupati.

They also constructed rooftop gazebos for several homes, and poolside resting shades for several hotels and resorts. They are currently building a micro-brewery out of bamboo on the ninth floor of a hotel on Residency Road in the city.

Environmental benefits

Indrani says bamboo structures are strong and light-weight and easy to work on with high amenability to conventional joining material. But environmental benefits outweigh everything else. These are zero carbon structures and use one-thousandth of energy consumed in conventional construction. Bamboo beams are stated to be better than wooden beams and if treated, they resist termites and borers for decades.

According to Saha, bamboo mat boards (BMB) ranging from 3 mm to 20 mm lend themselves to several applications such as housing, transportation, furniture, storage, and panelling.

They can even resist boiling water, fire and scratching and take the natural colour of bamboo. Corrugated Bamboo Roofing Sheets (CBRS) are environmentally friendly and a safe alternative to plastic, zinc or corrugated asbestos.

Bamboo floor for BMTC buses

Saha says Northeast India’s Balcooa bamboo is the best in the world for strength and durability whereas bamboo sourced from Shimoga forests is used for products such as household furniture.

The firm introduced bamboo flooring on BMTC and KSRTC buses, though it took immense amount of persuasion of authorities against initial scepticism. Once tested, it was approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

The Indrani-Saha couple were adjudged a winner of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Innovation Excellence Award 2014 by the Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their exemplary work. Mukherjiee was conferred the Woman Entrepreneur Award 2014 by the National Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development.

The couple have launched an online store for bamboo products, “Feel Bamboo”, which is hitched to e-commerce companies. Their bamboo sticks for barbecues are fast replacing those imported from China.

A variety of products such as pen stands, vases, bowls and even shoelaces made out of bamboo are available.

Source The Hindu / M.A. Siraj

http://360propertymanagement.in/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/logo-1.png00adminhttp://360propertymanagement.in/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/logo-1.pngadmin2016-04-30 15:09:352016-04-28 15:30:02Bamboo is the timber of 21st Century

There is a lot you can do with your balcony, especially at a time when there is a plethora of quirky green solutions in the market.

There is a certain joy in walking into a home that is peppered with green elements. While it has been scientifically proven that green is the color that is most soothing to the human eye, it doesn’t take much to realise that being surrounded by greenery tends to soothe the soul too. It tends to create an overall atmosphere that reduces stress and elevates your mood. And with little respite from the burning heat and soaring temperatures, Chennai homes could definitely use a touch of cooling green. Although many Chennaites seem to be enthusiastic about bringing green elements into their living spaces, there is a glitch space. Homes are growing smaller by the day and not many of us have the luxury of gardens or even decently sized balconies for that matter. Floor space is highly cherished and not many people are willing to part with that.

Thankfully with garden enthusiasts coming up with creative solutions for space crunch issues, a green nook is no more a distant dream for apartment dwellers. “Hanging pots are the most common solution to this space predicament. They don’t take up precious floor space, and with the right drooper plants, even these simple pots can create a beautiful look for your balcony garden.” says Vijendranath, aleading Chennai-based architect. Vertical gardening is another idea that is fast gaining popularity in the gardening segment. However, he feels that they are not a very feasible option for apartment homes. “The concept of green walls, although beautiful, is not always convenient. Since the plants are grown in pouches, they need a specific mix of soil and mineral based manure to grow well and need to be constantly tended to, which is not just expensive but also a time consuming task,” he says. An easy alternative is letting creepers take over your balcony to get that lush green look. “Getting creepers to climb up a wall with the help of a trellis or string frame is one o the best ways to get a burst of greenery without burning a hole in your pocket.” says this landscaping expert. They also make a great natural screen for windows and doorways that let too much direct sunlight stream into your home. Placed right, they can create a beautiful dappling effect of sunlight and shade, while keeping your home cool and inviting.

Another fun solution for those pressed for green space, are the quirky railing planters that are fast gaining popularity with modern apartment owners. With more and more people opening up to innovative ideas for their green corners, the market is now cashing in on this new trend. Available in various shapes and colours, these containers instantly liven up your balconies.

Apart from balconies, windows are another facet of any home that can easily be converted into a green corner. With many new homes having wall to wall windows, it is easy to have an artificial bracket next to the window to create an illusion of a balcony. Apt for placing flowering plants, it is a lovely accessory to any home. And even for the hard core flower lover, all is not lost just yet. A time consuming but long lasting solution is to attach multiple pot holders to a single wall. A unique idea in itself, a plethora of flowers bloom on a single wall is a sight for sore eyes, and definitely well worth the effort. A word of caution though, before you go ahead with an elaborate gardening plan. It is necessary to be well versed in green care. If you don’t know about your plants’ nutritional requirements, all that beauty will wilt away into nothingness in no time.

Even plants with a purpose are not difficult to grow nowadays. According to S S Radhakrishnan, kitchen garden entrepreneur, growing vegetables in balconies is a breeze. The right equipment and a little time is all it takes to maintain a healthy kitchen garden. “Over 50 percent of a nuclear family’s vegetable needs can easily be fulfilled by maintaining a balcony garden,”he says. More of a social awareness program than a business, his company Green Governance Goods, emphasises on the importance of sustainability in cities. “Vertical plant stands, hanging pots and special plant troughs made on the parapet wall of a medium sized balcony will easily feed a family of four, without taking up much floor space” says this retired IRS official.

With so many simple options, your love for greenery need not be confined to potted plants anymore. There is so much more that can be done for apartment gardens; all it takes is a little ingenuity.

Source: Times Property, The Times of India, Chennai

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This 2 BHK Located in T.Nagar behind Temple Towers and Mount Road , this well designed and spacious flat is available for Rent. It is quite airy and gets plenty of natural light. There are 2 Bedrooms , 2 bathrooms .The flat has a covered area of 800 Sq-ft. It features Mosaic flooring and is Unfurnished. It has good proximity to prime locations. It is available for rent at Rs 16,000 per month. This house is located between Moosa Street and South West Boag Road. Very close to Prime locations for shopping, hotels, restaurants etc.,

This 3 BHK flat is located in Jafferkhanpet in Chennai. 1445 Square Feet. It is in the 4th Floor and there are two lifts. The apartment faces East. There is 1 Balcony, 1 Hall 1 Closed Car Parking and 1 Dining. The flooring is Vitrifed. The flat overlooks the Swimming Pool. There are 2 AC units avaiable. Very close to Kendiriya Vidyalaya, PSBB KK Nagar. Security is available. Power back up is available in this complex. Kitchen is modular kitchen. Located very close to Ashok Nagar Metro station and Udhayam Theater. No Brokerage for Tenants.

Nu-Tech Indira is the biggest residential colony, built with a good architechture. There are 144 apartments in the colony with a swimming pool, parking lots, indoor and outdoor play areas, gym, children’s park. It is very near the K.K.Nagar Bus Terminus and M.G.R. Nagar market. Also nearer to Airport [10 kms[ and T.Nagar [4 kms] with all facilitis, including security for all 24 hours. Excellent location for schools and the 100 ft. road. Metro water facility, lift facility, nearness to hospitals, etc., are other attractions.

Many people have discovered great theories and innovative points of view, sitting in the comfort of their study. The average Indian, who in the past, did not have a concept of a study in their imagination of a home, seem to be interested in building his or her ‘den’ in their contemporary houses. Today, a significant number of individuals have started working from home too. “Men and women have independent studies these days and they see it as their own personal space. They want to have office spaces in their homes. With rise in technology, more and more people in creative fields take their work home. Their study almost becomes as important as a kitchen or a living room.” says Ponni Concessao, principal designer, Oscar and Ponni architects.

Although high end apartments and independent houses may have room for building an elaborate study, space is sometimes a constraint for smaller apartments. “When it comes to study rooms for your children, most parents do not prefer a closed door study, since they would like to keep an eye on what the kids are doing. They prefer an open area, attached to the living room. There are even instances of pooja rooms being converted into a study area. I would suggest a closed door study for adults, since they will have their privacy. Privacy is something which is often overlooked in a study room decor, for adults,” says Xavier Benedict, principal architect, Anameka architects and designers.

With regard to the features, architects often pander to customer demands, since most customers are very specific about their choices. “The styles can go from very funky and colorful to extremely classical. The demand for hideaway tables, sliding doors, multipurpose rooms and foldable gadgets. They have specific selection for chairs, sofas, and even the de vices. In the western countries, there is an interest for ‘Space-Age’ designs, something which has not caught on in India yet,” adds Ponni Concessao.

As books are disappearing, the space for accessories is becoming the priority. “Last ten years have seen a change in perception about the study area, with more importance on accommodating the desktops and the lap tops. In the next ten years, there will be even better features included in the Indian study room, as lifestyles change.” says Xavier Benedict.

People might use the study room, for more than one purpose. “When I wanted a study decor, I wanted a place which can be used for different aspects. So, I read my morning newspaper, do yoga and my stretching exercises in the study room. I have installed a TV and music system as well, so that I can listen to music while I read. It also provides an extra space when we host parties,” says PT Govindarajan, a client who got his study done with Anameka architects. Whatever may be the purpose, study decors are here to stay, in the aesthetics of an Indian home.

Source Madhav Menon, Times Property, The Times of India, Chennai

http://360propertymanagement.in/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/logo-1.png00adminhttp://360propertymanagement.in/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/logo-1.pngadmin2016-04-26 20:50:232016-04-19 20:53:35Finely designed study area can enhance your productivity

For Sale – This 4 Bhk house is for sale. Total 2200 Sq Ft. 2 BHK in Ground FLoor and 2 BHK in First Floor. The Ground Floor is South Facing. It has a sit out. First floor : east & North entrance. There is a closed Car Parking. The house is recently completely renovated and looks like new. The house has mosquito nets, curtain rods and geyser. There is invertor provision. Siruvani water, Bore, Corporation water is available. The house is located 2 Km from Navavoor pirivu (on the way to Navavoor ) The house is within Corporation Limits.

For Rent – This 2 Bhk for rent is in Ground Floor with 1150 Sq Ft. The house is South Facing. It has a sit out. There is a closed Car Parking. The house is recently completely renovated and looks like new. The house has mosquito nets, curtain rods and geyser. There is invertor provision. Siruvani water, Bore, Corporation water
is available. The house is located 2Km from Navavoor pirivu (on the way to Navavoor ) The house is within Corporation Limits. No Brokerage for tenants

This 4 BHK is an Independent Villa type house located just 3 kms from Coimbatore Main Rail Station. This Gated Community has all the modern amenities. The house is 2900 Sq Ft and the building faces East direction. 2 Closed Car Parking. The house includes 2 Hall 1 Dining 1 Puja Room 2 Balcony and private Terrace. The flooring is Vitrified. The Kitchen is Modular. Inverter provision is available. The house is semi furnished. Amenities include Gym, Childrens Play area and Club House. Round the clock security is available. Inside the house there are 3 geysers and 1 split AC. There is also a Garden in the house. The place is centrally located in Coimbatore and is about 1 km to Trichy Road.

This Eco friendly house is Fully Furnished and has 7 bedrooms (7 BHK) with attached western toilets. This bungalow has 3 Halls 3 Dining 2 Balcony and 1 terrace. The house is built in 5 grounds area. This is a 6500 sq ft house. Ground Floor 2800 sq ft, First Floor 2200 Sq Ft and Second Floor 1500 sq ft.

This beautiful bungalow house is surrounded by natural beauty. The house has been built by the owner with passion for nature and is eco friendly. The house is surrounded by greenery beginning from the drive way. The gates are remotely operated. Security installations include CCTV surveillance 24 hours with Cameras and Motion Detectors.
The building has a brick finish which adds to the beauty of the house. The carved stone pillars used in the house enhance the architecture. Even the car parking has some beauty to it. The house has two floors. The view of the house from the entrance is a treat to the eye. There is a Fish pond adding value to the house. A private Pillayar temple is inside the house next to the pond. The sit out is made in such a way that you can sit there in the shade and enjoy the natural beauty of the house. The entrance Nilai at the front door has been carved tastefully. High quality Teak wood has been used throughout the house. The wood has been carved. Athangudi Tiles which is used extensively in the Chettinad houses in Southern Tamil Nadu is used for the flooring of this house. This not add only adds beauty to the house but also gives a rich look. Thulasi madam is a place to not only for worship but also to watch and enjoy. Running Water flows everywhere giving a feeling of living close to the water falls. This home has a Pooja room. The house also has used granite and marbles in the first and second floor. Spacious kitchens are other feature of this house. The garden has been very well maintained. The terrace has been partially covered to enjoy the nature in shade.

The bungalow is ideal and Suitable for CEO and top executives of large companies, MNC and Corporate.

Eco Friendly Details

Water is effectively recycled. The Rainwater is harvested and stored under the Car garage area and is used for RO water for a year. This water is used as drinking water for the whole year.

Waste water is recycled! Water from bath, kitchen, basin etc. are collected and sent through 3 to 4 stages like pebbles, small stones, dust and sand and the filtered water is sent to a filtration chamber where when filled falls into the pond where again it is cleaned by the fish. This water is used for other than drinking needs.

Degradable waste is used for growing Organic farming. A Pit is dug at one location in the garden area. All the waste is put in the pit for decomposing. Once the pit is filled it is covered and Saplings are planted in the pit. No chemical or fertilizer used. Trees and plants are all organically grown in this method.

Once upon a time, windows were known to be the bringers of the bright and the airy and everything cheery. As silly as that sounds, it is not too far from the truth. There was a time when the builders of the world took painstaking efforts to bring out the beauty in the simplest of things. Not anymore. While today’s mantra is to focus on the big picture, detailing is a forgotten art. While one can’t deny that a house without windows is nothing more than a box, even homes with windows have the potential to evolve into so much more.

According to Nithya Ramesh, banker and DIY enthusiast, plants are crucial in upping the freshness quotient for any space. “My room does not have a balcony, so I got a grill bracket made right outside the window where I could keep a few a creepers and flowering plants, making it the best place to have my morning coffee,” she says. Another aspect that gives a simple, yet unique feel, are aesthetically placed stained glass elements, which can bring the much needed splash of colour to any room. Jute and coir blinds are also a good alternative to conventional curtains as they give an illusion of space while adding a natural facet to the room. For those who still prefer curtains over blinds, sheer curtains are a good way to increase the spaciousness of a room while still maintaining privacy.

For Sharan Mohan, a city based freelance writer, his favourite space in the house is the reading nook by the window. “We had a window right underneath the staircase that we converted into a reading space by attaching a long seat, some comfy cushions and a vintage overhead lamp. We turned the space under the seat into built-in cabinets and added a book-shelf next to it to complete the look, ” he says. Windows, whatever style they might be, along with bringing in plenty of light and breeze, also allow space for experimentation which can go a long way in makinga room more comfortable.

Interior designer T Swathi, feels that while there are many simple ways to spruce up the look of a window, opulence too is an alternative worth considering. “Nowadays, a lot of people are opting to do up windows in a grand manner, making them the focus of a room. Ornate frames, rich curtains and tastefully picked out accessories like tassels, curtain rods etc, all add to the grandeur of the window making it nothing less than an elaborate art piece,” she says.

4 BHK Villa For Rent in Bollineni Hillside Chennai. This villa has Ground plus one floor. 2900 sq ft with 4 bhk, 4 bath, 2 halls, 1 dining, 1 terrace and 1 courtyard. It has vitrified floors. The house is facing west and faces the main road. All bed rooms are 14×14. The house is semi furnished. The kitchen is Modular Kitchen. Hassle free supply of cooking Gas using Piped Gas. Security is round the clock for this Gated community. Amenities include Swimming Pool Children Play Area and Community Hall among other things. Fresh Vegetables available at Palamuthir located inside. There is Pharmacy. Club house with indoor games and more. Fully equipped Gym. Niligiris Grocery store is located close by. Rs 7200 Maintenance Charges per month